Looking for a Smart Watch

JengT89 on 14/02/2024 - 17:22

Looking for a smart watch, happy to pay up to $300-$350. Obviously needs all the health tracking abilities, but also would like it to link well to my phone for notifications etc. I'm not out here running marathons, so I don't need one of the really expensive Garmin watches. Just like tracking the random bike rides/walks and having good health tracking.

LTE ideal but I always have my phone with me anyway so not really required.

For reference I had the Samsung Galaxy Active Watch 2 in the past and really like it, the size suited me well. It just decided to stop working one day and I never replaced it! Bummed I missed out on the recent Galaxy Watch deals!

Find Me A Bargain Smartwatch

Comments

  • Ghost47 on 14/02/2024 - 17:31
    +1

    This will be controversial to some, but there's a postdoctoral scientist who specialises in biological data analysis on YouTube who reviews smart watches called the Quantified Scientist. From the videos I've seen of his, the best smart watch to track health metrics is the Apple Watch.

    I'm pretty certain that the latest versions track sleep very well if that's important to you. He compares sleep stage tracking from the devices he tests to an EEG monitor and the latest Apple Watches (including the Ultra) had very high correlation to the EEG device compared to all the other watches he's tested, maybe watch the videos and see for yourself. If you can't afford the latest Apple Watches, the charts he shows in his videos will have other devices that should track health pretty good too. I just took a look at the sleep stage chart for the Series 9 video and Apple Watches seem to perform quite highly regarding sleep tracking.

    This is an interesting story about how Apple got into the health-tracking game also.

    • bobbieb on 14/02/2024 - 19:52

      I'm pretty certain that the latest versions track sleep very well if that's important to you

      Genuine question: People wear Apple Watches, or any full sized smart watch to bed?

      Besides the need to charge fairly regularly, I'd image something that chunky on your wrist wouldn't be particularly pleasant, let alone comfortable. I still toss my fitness band out of bed when it becomes too noticeable.

      • Ghost47 on 14/02/2024 - 20:00

        Can't answer that myself as I don't have one, but would also be curious to know.

        I wear my fitness band (Mi Band 6) practically 24/7 but it's not as cumbersome as an Apple Watch. If I had an Apple Watch and wanted to track my sleep I'd probably wear it to bed, and charge it when I'm sitting down at work in a meeting or something (i.e. when I'm in a relatively stationary state).

      • AustriaBargain on 14/02/2024 - 23:37

        I wear a stainless steel cellular larger model series 6 I think it is, the first one with blood oxygen, in the day. And a series 5 smaller one aluminium wifi to bed.

      • cimrak on 15/02/2024 - 01:21

        Yep, I wear a Garmin epix2 all day including to bed. I only take it off when I shower, plus once a fortnight to charge it.

        I was originally concerned about its weight & wearing it to bed, but it's never been a problem for me unless I have the strap done up too tight.

      • ihbh on 15/02/2024 - 08:27

        I've been wearing a Garmin FR235 (died after 5 years), Venu Sq (gifted) and now Instinct Solar all the time except when charging for getting close to a decade. (The FR235 was all the time, because you could charge it wearing it).

        The Instinct Solar lasts almost 3 weeks with solar in the summer - but I'm outdoors hiking/gardening a lot. The previous ones lasted a week before needing to be charged.

      • bobbieb on 15/02/2024 - 18:41

        Thanks all. Food for thought.

        I've had a few different fitbit bands over the years (my current will probably be my last)… I still occasionally notice them at night. I might have to try wearing my garmin forerunner to bed sometime.

        • Ghost47 on 15/02/2024 - 20:10

          I reckon you'll get used to it, might just take some time.

    • ATTS on 16/02/2024 - 20:06

      How does garmin watch compare to apple for sleep metrics?

      • Ghost47 on 16/02/2024 - 23:36

        Looks like the Apple Watch is leagues ahead of Garmin watches from his tests. But overall the sleep tracking on a watch is still average compared to using an actual device like an EEG, it's just that Apple does it best right now. Maybe check out his channel, it looks like he's reviewed a few Garmins.

        • ATTS on 17/02/2024 - 08:21

          I see thanks

          I have a garmin watch so was just curious

          I just dony like the look of the apple watch

          And i particularly dont like ios and apple phone for some reason

  • ihfree on 14/02/2024 - 17:59
    +1

    If you're happy with the old galaxy, have you thought about buying a newer version?

    Presumably, you have a Samsung phone, so they should integrate well.

    • JengT89 on 14/02/2024 - 19:14

      I have! I think I'd be pretty happy with it, it's just that the costs of the newest model are pretty crazy for what I want it for…

      • ihfree on 14/02/2024 - 19:21

        Have a look at the deal history for the 5/6 and consider setting up a watch. You’ll likely find one close to the price you want.

        • JengT89 on 14/02/2024 - 19:52

          Had it set up since December, nothing good has show up!

  • ezz88 on 14/02/2024 - 18:18

    Pm sent.

    • jv on 14/02/2024 - 18:56
      +1

      here…

      • JIMB0 on 14/02/2024 - 19:27
        +1

        Awww, you keep a photo in your wallet.

        • jv on 14/02/2024 - 19:58

          Yes…

  • 87percent on 14/02/2024 - 18:33

    Android or IPhone?

    • jv on 14/02/2024 - 18:55

      No, a watch…

    • JengT89 on 14/02/2024 - 19:14

      Android! Can't believe I left that put of the post

  • jv on 14/02/2024 - 18:55
    -3

    Looking for a Smart Watch

    Lots are available online.

  • TheTeamRanger on 14/02/2024 - 21:57

    I was able to grab a galaxy 5pro LTE for around $380~. Happy with so far, had to use some workarounds to sort the gps accuracy though. Very useful if you want to leave your phone behind. To sustain battery I charge when I shower or during toilet business. As I want to track my sleep I always have it on.

    Works well for my use case. I use garmin bike computer anyways for my rides. But if I was into serious running(I don't) , I would have sacrificed the smart part and picked a garmin any day.

  • elgrande on 14/02/2024 - 23:12

    I'm using the $10 Kmart Anko one from last weeks deal.

  • ihbh on 15/02/2024 - 08:30

    For a budget of $300-$350, you can easily get a good quality Garmin, not the latest and flagship with sapphire and solar (which is unnecessary), but slightly older model and mid-tier.

  • Blue Suby on 15/02/2024 - 12:15

    I have an Apple SE which doesn't have all the bells and whistles but all the health apps work and I generally wear it 24/7. It's also not so chunky in 38mm size.

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